Huts and Cottages
Tapik Beach Park has a number of accommodations spread far and wide along a sloping hill by the beach. All have beach view and access. I was able to stay at their Beach Cottage which they currently have two. Voltaire played around with the design and architecture on this one. It has a private bathroom, one queen-sized bed and a private balcony overlooking the resort. I like that it is airy that even when the power goes off, it allows the wind to circulate inside the room.
Their Beach Hut is spartan and basic, but it’s really popular with foreign guest wanting to stay in a native hut. I was also able to stay at the one with near the beach. I love the sound of the waves, the makeshift table and bench outside the hut and my own hammock. The bathroom is sharing for those who wouldn’t mind to rough it out a little. They have kept their public bath and toilet clean when I was there.
Aside from the cottage and huts, they have a loft room good for groups of up to 5. Camping is also allowed on the grounds for a fee. Guest do have to mind the use of water as they have to get supply from town. They are currently finding their own water source and hopefully have their own supply. Power in Sibaltan is limited. They have their own genset which runs from 6–10pm. Each hut and cottages do have some solar powered light but that also have limited capacity.
Restaurant and Activities
Food is not a problem with Tapik Beach Resort, the restaurant serves really sumptuous food and I have to commend how they make each dish look delectable as well. The resort also pioneered the island hopping tours in the East Side of El Nido which includes the heavenly Mausonoan Island. Another notable destination is the Imorgie Island teeming with marine life. Beach bumming is also a favorite activity. They have bonfires at night and the moonrise here is very scenic. With little light pollution, star gazing is also favorite night activity.
There’s so much to say about Tapik Beach Park. The great reviews are not kidding. It’s a great place to getaway from it all and enjoy the authentic country-side atmosphere, a relaxed island hopping and simple good times by the beach.
How to go to Sibaltan
There are two ways to Sibaltan. One is the public Charity Bus (contact 09051035821) which leaves the market at 11am. Though I must warn tourist as this is a local bus and the usual travel time of 1.5 hours from El Nido town to Sibaltan can extend up to 3-4 hours since they load in cargo and usually stops to unload cargo and passengers. On some days it can test your patience. The worst for me was almost 6 hours. Fare is Php 70.
Tapik Beach Park also have their own transport transfer which leaves the market every 4pm n the afternoon. They are fast with no stops and will send guest directly to the resort. I recommend this one even if they leave late in the afternoon.
Tapik Beach Park
web: www.tapikbeach.com
fb: /tapikbeach
email: [email protected]
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning travel photographer, writer and blogger. His works has found print in publications such as Singapore Airlines’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has also lent his expertise to various organizations like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Foundation, Save the Children and World Vision, contributing quality images for their marketing materials.
